A new, bold, thiol-rich hop variety gets a name
Vera was introduced in June. Dolcita was introduced in August. Now, it’s time to introduce another new hop variety, Thora. Three new public hops introduced in just a few months. That’s uncommon. HQG4 now has a name: Thora. By “introduced,” I mean that it was officially named and is now commercially available.
The Hop Quality Group (HQG), working in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), proudly announces the release of Thora, a new public hop variety crafted to elevate modern hopforward beers. Named after the Norse god of thunder, Thora delivers a powerful sensory experience from field to glass.
Formerly known by the designation HQG4, Thora is the result of collaborative efforts between Hop Quality Group and USDA-ARS that initiated in 2015 to develop hops that combine agronomic performance with the sensory qualities demanded by today’s craft brewers. This collaboration brought together HQG’s community of over 50 U.S. craft brewers with USDA-ARS experts to create a hop that resonates with the needs of both growers and brewers.
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Thora was publicly developed by the USDA and is therefore IP-free. Did you know that most new hop varieties are privately developed (bred) and are therefore considered someone’s Intellectual Property? Citra®, Mosaic®, Amarillo®, and many others have agricultural patents. That’s what the ® is all about. For farmers and brewers, prices are typically lower for public, USDA-bred hops.
According to the release announcement, Thora stands out with its intense and complex aroma, bursting with notes of passionfruit, guava, grapefruit, and stone fruit, underscored by resinous and dank undertones. Brewers who have had the opportunity to brew with Thora say they love it.
This bold profile is driven by remarkably high concentrations of thiols—compounds like 4MMP, 3S4MP, and 3MH—that meet or exceed levels found in most existing U.S. hop cultivars, making Thora one of the most thiol-rich hops available in the U.S. These compounds contribute to its punchy tropical fruit character, making it an ideal choice for IPAs and other bold, hop-forward beer styles.
Thora is now available in limited commercial quantities from select farms across various growing regions in the Pacific Northwest, with plans for expanded acreage in the 2026 harvest season to meet growing demand. Brewers eager to harness Thora’s thunderous potential are encouraged to act quickly due to its limited initial supply. For more details about Thora or to learn about joining the Hop Quality Group, visit www.hopqualitygroup.com.
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Beyond its sensory prowess, Thora offers robust agronomic qualities. With alpha acids averaging 8.7%, a smooth bitterness profile, early to mid-season maturity, disease resistance, and competitive yields, Thora is as practical for growers as it is exciting for brewers.
What Brewers and Growers Say
“Thora is the culmination of over a decade of hard work by the Hop Quality Group to make meaningful change within the hop industry,” said Eric Desmarais, 4th generation owner of CLS Farms.
“What makes Thora truly unique is how a collection of brewers have been part of the process from the very beginning, shaping its direction and creating value for both the hop and brewing industries,” said Blake Crosby, CEO of Crosby Hops.
“Brewing with it revealed just how expressive this hop truly is—bursting with tropical character and layered with subtle citrus and stone fruit notes,” said Vinnie Cilurzo, Co-Owner, Russian River Brewing Company and founding HQG member.
“It’s been exciting to watch this variety prove its potential in both field performance and unique aroma,” said Nate Jackon, owner of Jackson Hops.
About USA-ARS and Hop Quality Group
The USDA Agricultural Research Service develops new hop varieties, this time working with the HQG. New hops are just one of many important agricultural products the USDA-ARS researches and develops. The research teams work to improve agricultural practices, ensure food security, enhance environmental sustainability, and contribute to the well-being of rural communities. Let’s pray the USDA-ARS is spared the chopping block: it is vitally important.
The Hop Quality Group is a coalition of over 50 U.S. craft brewers dedicated to advancing hop quality. Through partnerships with growers, processors, and dealers, HQG fosters dialogue to ensure the highest standards in hop production for the craft brewing community. HQG members were deeply involved in Thora’s development, participating in every stage from early rub-and-sniff evaluations and brewing trials to advanced thiol analysis, ensuring the variety delivers on quality and performance.
